Minister of Gender, Children, Disability and Social Welfare Mary Navicha says Magomero Community Development College plans to roll out a degree in transformative social protection starting from the 2027 academic year.
Speaking on Friday during the graduation of 208 students at the college’s main campus at Magomero in Chiradzulu District, the minister commended the institution for developing and implementing 13 diploma and certificate programmes.
“I would like to commend the principal and Magomero College staff for their outstanding contribution towards the institution’s growth. The college is also developing a first degree curriculum in social protection to roll out in 2027 academic year,” said Navicha.
She said the government expects that graduates from the institution will use their skills “to protect the elderly, people with disabilities as well as vulnerable children from any kind of violence, abuse, exploitation and neglect.”
Navicha noted that the courses being offered at the college are aligned with key national policies including the 2025 National Early Childhood Development Policy, the 2025 National Social Welfare Policy, the National Community Development Policy of 2024, National Adult Literacy and Education Policy of 2020, the Malawi National Nutritional Policy and Strategic Plan and the Childcare Protection and Justice Act of 2010.
The college’s principal Thokozani Mtapaonga said the degree programme will open career paths for extension workers.
“The programme will help extension workers to upgrade not only from certificate to diploma but now from diploma to degree level,” she said.
Mtapaonga said graduates from the college are equipped with skills and knowledge to help communities and district councils implement their programmes for improved service delivery.
Emmanuel Luciano, who graduated with a distinction in community development, said he was eager to use the acquired skills in serving communities.
“I am ready to work in any community where my services will be required,” he said.
The college offers certificates and diplomas in social work, community development, nutrition and home management, early childhood development, social protection, adult education and agro food processing.
